Molecular genetic characteristics of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumonia isolates from a cardiac surgical hospital

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in nosocomial settings. Objectives To investigate the molecular genetic basis of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics among K. pneumoniae isolates collected from a cardiac hospital in comparison to their phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles. Methods. A total of 50 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from patients with signs of hospital-acquired purulent-septic infections in a cardiac surgery hospital. These isolates were subjected to a bacterial culture and sensitivity test against 13 different antimicrobial agents, as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect the presence of genes encoding beta-lactamases, including TEM, CTX–M, SHV, OXA, KPC, VIM - 2, IMP - 1, and NDM - 1. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying betalactam resistance in K. pneumoniae and provide valuable insights into the development of strategies for effective treatment and prevention of nfections caused by these resistant strains.Amplification was performed using a DNA EngineDyad Thermal Cycler thermal cycler (Bio-Rad, USA), and band visualization and data documentation were conducted using the Gel-Doc XR gel documentation system (Bio-Rad, USA). Results. Of the strains studied, K. pneumoniae, 6.0–40.0 – and 36.0% of isolates were found to have multiple, extreme, and pan-resistance to antibiotics, respectively. Based on the results of bacterial studies, 90% of K. pneumoniae isolates produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. According to molecular genetic analysis, all isolates contained genes responsible for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae cultures were more prevalent in the anesthesiology and ICU departments than in surgical wards. Discussion. The results of bacteriological and molecular genetic investigations confirm a high level of resistance. The prevalence of multidrugresistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a cardiac surgery hospital.